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Upper GI Scan: Check!

Barium? I say bari-yuck. This morning I had my upper GI scan to clear me for LAP BAND surgery. I could have thought of nearly 500 things I would’ve rather had for breakfast.

My appointment was at 10:00am and I got there right on time. I checked in, paid, and waited. When it was my turn, we went back to the x-ray machine and I took off my shirt and put on a gown. The nurse (I guess?) gave me a summary of what would happen and then called in the radiologist. Here’s what happened:

First, I stood up on the machine to get a blank picture of my stomach to make sure it was empty.

Second, the nurse mixed up a bubbly thing like alkaseltzer and I had to chug it without burping.

Then, I had to swallow about 8-10 ounces of barium. It was incredibly heavy. She handed me the cup and I nearly dropped it because it was so dense.

They took a couple pictures, and then they reclined the x-ray machine.

I rolled over and over to let the barium coat my stomach.

More pictures as I tried not to puke.

Then, it was over. It only took about 20 minutes. Alden and Noah stayed with my in-laws and Alden was so happy to see me when I got home. I was hoping to get my surgery scheduled today, but the office closed at noon, so I guess I will be waiting until Monday.